The California Highway Patrol reported that units responded to a single vehicle collision on Camanche Parkway South, just south of Campo Seco Road in Calaveras County on Saturday morning, Dec. 27, just after 6:45 a.m.

As the summer hit full force, there was talk of drought, and the city continued to deal with budget issues. School resumed in August, locals brought home honors from the county and state fairs and eventually we hit the holiday season – kicking off with Halloween and continuing through the Christmas shopping season.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to start the New Year on the right path by celebrating responsibly. If the night's events include alcohol, make the smart choice and designate a driver before the celebrating begins. The CHP will be ringing in the New Year on the roadway with motorists as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.

One lane of eastbound F Street traffic near South Fourth Avenue was closed down for about 90 minutes on Wednesday, Dec. 24 while Oakdale Police, the city's Public Works department and Reliable Tow of Oakdale worked on clearing the roadway after a solo vehicle rollover accident.

Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have fallen 7.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.48/gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has fallen 9.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.28/gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

In a special afternoon ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 18, "The Friends of Wes Stewart" dedicated a park bench in in the Oakdale Town Plaza at the Bianchi Community Center in memory of prominent Oakdale community member Wes Stewart who served 16 years in Oakdale City government and volunteered countless hours in the CAPS program

From budget issues and the eventual continuation of a city sales tax measure, to the annual celebrations of Rodeo Week, The Chocolate Festival, and school graduations, 2014 was filled with Oakdale Leader headlines both good and bad. This week, we start our annual 'Year in Review' by taking a look at the months gone by, with stories from the first half of the year, January through June.

The City of Oakdale is looking into refinancing Bridle Ridge development bonds that will likely generate significant savings for the property owners and also generate capital funds for the road maintenance in the Bridle Ridge subdivision.

When Storm Watch 2014 (aka Pineapple Express) was reported, Jonyce O'Neill was not thinking of a flooded landscape or a potential leaking roof … she thought instead of her friends, her 'peeps.' As many sat at a computer screen staring at predictions of how bad the storm would be, O'Neill put a plea on Social Media for trash bags, coats and blankets for her friends who would endure the elements ... outdoors.

Brad Greer, an ASE Certified automobile technician from Oakdale, was recently honored with a national achievement award as the SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service/ASE Automobile Technician of the Year. Forty-seven automotive professionals were recognized on Nov. 19, 2014, at the Fall Board of Governors meeting of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) held at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Modesto Junior College has submitted an application to be one of the 15 California Community Colleges to develop a baccalaureate degree pilot program. MJC's application proposes the creation of a four-year program in respiratory care.

The City of Oakdale is looking into refinancing Bridle Ridge development bonds that will likely generate significant savings for the property owners and also generate capital funds for the road maintenance in the Bridle Ridge subdivision.